Did BJP Respond to ‘Saamana’ Criticism by Blaming Uddhav Sena for Housing Failures in Mumbai?
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Synopsis
In a bold response to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the BJP has accused the party of spreading misinformation through ‘Saamana’. This article details the clash over housing issues in Mumbai and highlights the BJP's initiatives for Marathi citizens.
Key Takeaways
- BJP rebuts accusations from Shiv Sena in the housing debate.
- Criticism in ‘Saamana’ deemed as propaganda.
- Focus on housing reforms and development initiatives.
- Need for tangible results in political promises.
- Call for responsibility from past leaders.
Nagpur, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday countered the allegations made by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, asserting that the critiques published in the party's official mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, were fueled by misinformation and animosity rather than factual evidence, aimed at obscuring previous political shortcomings.
In response to the editorial in ‘Saamana’, the BJP stated that if there have been any instances of the Marathi population being deprived of housing, employment, or respect, it was during the tenure of the Thackeray-led administration over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and not under the leadership of the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
State BJP chief media coordinator Navnath Ban, via a post on X, commented, “Thanks to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s foresight, Marathi families residing in BDD chawls have received appropriate homes at reasonable rates. Long-delayed redevelopment initiatives have been set in motion, along with the launch of Metro projects, the Coastal Road, and Atal Setu.
Ban was addressing accusations from the Thackeray faction alleging that the rights and interests of Marathi citizens were being compromised by the government, which is led by CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
The editorial claimed that the government had relegated Marathi individuals to the status of a “doormat”, while superficially attempting to remedy the situation with a ‘pagdi-mukta’ Mumbai. It also suggested that housing was being withheld from Marathi residents, implicating leaders such as Amit Shah, Shinde, and Fadnavis as responsible for the crisis.
Dismissive of these allegations, Ban stated, “Those who write editorials claiming to champion Marathi pride have achieved nothing substantial. No significant housing reform laws were passed, and not a single stalled project was completed. Corruption amounting to thousands of crores within the BMC was revealed, yet no action was taken. You have committed the grave error of rendering Mumbai’s Marathi populace homeless.”
He further accused the Thackeray faction of attempting to create societal divisions for political gain. “This desperate attempt to ensure your political survival by artificially establishing a ‘Marathi versus non-Marathi’ rift is absurd. Housing policies, redevelopment plans, and reforms in the ‘pagdi’ system aim to deliver justice to the average Mumbaikar and the Marathi community. Those who declare themselves as advocates for the Marathi people should first clarify what they accomplished for Marathi youth during their governance,” Ban stated.
Emphasizing ongoing development initiatives, Ban remarked that the BJP-led government is dedicated to achieving tangible results.
“Currently, development in Mumbai is accelerating. Marathi youth are gaining opportunities, and appropriate housing is being allocated. This progression seems to trouble some. The struggle for Marathi rights is not waged through emotional editorials, but through decisive actions. Devabhai is propelling Mumbai’s growth, while Uddhavji remains limited to expressions of sorrow in ‘Saamana’. The citizens of Mumbai are well aware of this situation,” he added.
Point of View
The clash between the BJP and Shivsena highlights the ongoing struggles over housing and identity politics in Mumbai. As both parties maneuver for influence, it is crucial to focus on the tangible outcomes for citizens rather than emotional rhetoric.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main accusations made by the BJP against Shiv Sena?
The BJP accuses Shiv Sena of spreading false information through ‘Saamana’ to distract from their own failures during their governance over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Who is Navnath Ban?
Navnath Ban is the state BJP chief media coordinator who defended the party's housing initiatives and countered the criticisms made by Shiv Sena.
What is the BJP's stance on housing for Marathi people?
The BJP claims that they have implemented successful housing policies and redevelopment projects that benefit Marathi families, contrasting this with Shiv Sena's past failures.
How does the BJP respond to claims of neglecting Marathi interests?
The BJP argues that their actions speak louder than words, highlighting ongoing development projects that aim to uplift the Marathi community.
What does the term ‘pagdi-mukta’ signify in this context?
‘Pagdi-mukta’ refers to policies aimed at reforming the outdated rent control laws in Mumbai, which the BJP claims are necessary for modernizing the housing market.
